Seismicity at Augustine Volcano remains at low levels, but is still above background. Periods of quiescence and low-level seismicity during an eruptive phase are not unusual and have occurred during past eruptive episodes of Augustine in 1976 and 1986. The decline in seismicity at this time does not necessarily mean that explosive eruptions have ended and they could resume with little or no warning.

Throughout the day, high winds caused noise on some seismic stations. However, AVO can distinguish volcanic activity from this noise. Satellite views of the volcano have not been possible due to clouds. There were no observation flights to the volcano today owing to poor weather.

AVO is monitoring the situation closely and the observatory is staffed 24/7.

RED significant eruption is occurring or explosive eruption expected at any time

VOLCANO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET: http://www.avo.alaska.edu

RECORDING ON THE STATUS OF ALASKA'S VOLCANOES (907) 786-7478

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tom Murray, Scientist-in-Charge, USGS

tlmurray@usgs.gov (907) 786-7497

John Eichelberger, Coordinating Scientist, UAF-GI

eich@gi.alaska.edu (907) 474-5530 OR (907) 474-7274

The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a cooperative program of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

VOLCANO ALERT LEVELS

NORMALVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

ADVISORYVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

WATCHVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.

WARNINGHazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.

AVIATION COLOR CODES

GREENVolcano is in typical background, noneruptive state or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has ceased and volcano has returned to noneruptive background state.

YELLOWVolcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level or, after a change from a higher level, volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

ORANGEVolcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain, OR eruption is underway with no or minor volcanic-ash emissions [ash-plume height specified, if possible].

REDEruption is imminent with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere likely OR eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere [ash-plume height specified, if possible].